Intermediate Logic
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL2054 | Philosophy | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHIL2054
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module takes formal logic beyond the basics (as covered in 1st year PHIL1012 Reasoning, Argument, and Logic). We’ll cover Propositional Logic, First-Order Logic, and Modal Logic (going into more detail where these were covered in 1st year). We’ll learn about existence, identity, possibility, and necessity; and we’ll learn formal techniques for testing the validity of arguments. We’ll apply these logical techniques to help us make sense of challenging concepts and arguments in metaphysics and philosophy of language. Reassessments for this module will be a locally timetabled exam outside of the University's main resit period.
Target Students
Second year single honours and joint honours Philosophy students and exchange students. Also available to second year Liberal Arts students who have either done PHIL1012 or PHIL1013; or are doing PHIL1012 OR PHIL1013 (co-requisite). Also available to Maths and Physics students, where their degree specification allows. Also available to single honours Philosophy and joint honours Music and Philosophy students in their final year taking 20 credits of Level 2 modules.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Answers to logic questions
- 50% Exam (1-hour): 1 hour Exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to build on the skills learned in 1st year PHIL1012 Reasoning, Argument and Logic, acting as a bridge to 3rd year PHIL3011 Advanced Logic. Students will develop their knowledge of modern logics and their skills in giving formal proofs. Students will develop the ability to apply these logical skills to abstract philosophical questions, particularly in metaphysics and philosophy of language.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding.
- By the end of this module you should be able to:
- understand the specialized vocabulary of formal logic;
- be able to express and evaluate complex arguments in logical notation;
- be competent in using proof techniques to test the validity of arguments.
You will also have sufficient background in logic to take advanced modules in specialist areas, including PHIL3011 Advanced Logic.
B. Intellectual skills.
By the end of the module you should be able to:
- construct formal proofs and apply formal logical theories to a number of philosophical puzzles.
C. Transferable skills.
By the end of the module you should be able to:
- use the formal logical techniques you’ve learnt to judge the success of informal arguments in a precise way.